Study-visa and immigration terms explained (SDS, GIC, PAL, PGWP, Express Entry)

Quick answer. Study-abroad and immigration paperwork is full of acronyms. In short: a DLI is an approved Canadian school; a PAL is the province's attestation letter; a GIC is a Canadian investment certificate used as proof of funds; SDS was the fast-track study stream (closed in 2024); a PGWP is a post-study work permit; Express Entry is Canada's skilled-immigration system; and an RCIC is a licensed Canadian immigration consultant. Definitions below.

The terms, defined

The acronyms you will meet most often:

Term	What it means
DLI	Designated Learning Institution — a school approved to host international students in Canada
PAL / TAL	Provincial / Territorial Attestation Letter — confirms your application counts within the province's allocation
GIC	Guaranteed Investment Certificate — a Canadian deposit used as one form of proof of funds
SDS	Student Direct Stream — a former fast-track study route, closed on 8 November 2024
PGWP	Post-Graduation Work Permit — lets eligible graduates work in Canada after studying
Express Entry	Canada's online system for managing skilled-worker permanent-residence applications
PR	Permanent Residence — the right to live and work in a country indefinitely, short of citizenship
RCIC	Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant — a consultant licensed by the CICC to give paid Canadian immigration advice
LICO	Low-Income Cut-Off — the Statistics Canada figure IRCC uses to set proof-of-funds amounts

Why the licence behind the advice matters

Two of these terms are about who is allowed to advise you. In Canada, only an RCIC (or a lawyer/notary) can be paid to represent you to IRCC. In Punjab, an agent arranging your study or travel needs the state Travel Professionals Regulation Act licence — which you can check on this directory. Anyone charging for immigration help without the right licence is a red flag.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a study permit and a visa?

A study permit is the document that lets you study in Canada; the visa (or eTA) is what lets you enter the country. Most students receive both. Terms differ by country — always read your specific destination's official guidance.

Sources

Find licensed help: Immigration & visa consultants · Study-visa consultants · Cost estimator

Reviewed against official government sources; figures that change (fees, fund thresholds) are dated and linked — always verify at the source. — Recepta Editorial.

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Last updated: 2026-07-13